Carlos Vela | Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
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Meet Carlos Vela

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Owning Your Story to Create Change

Carlos received our 2017 National Youth Advocate of the Year award for his passionate advocacy to reduce tobacco use. With his mother being a longtime smoker, Carlos was motivated to learn about the toll tobacco takes on families and communities, and he quickly learned that his voice could make a difference. He fought tirelessly for smoke-free air policies, and he was a leader in efforts to raise the tobacco age to 21 in Texas. Being an advocate bolstered his confidence and allowed him to use his own story to help others. Today, Carlos is forging a career in health care and continuing to fight for a healthier, more equitable future.

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Owning who you are, and owning your story, is what will create real change today.

- Carlos Vela